Creep Behavior and Microstructural Evolution of Super 304H

Long-term creep tested specimens of the advanced austenitic stainless steel Super 304H were subjected to detailed metallographic analysis with an emphasis on the relationship between creep induced cavities (voids) and microstructural features. The creep specimens were tested between 873 and 973 K (600 and 700°C) at stresses between 110 and 340 MPa, with rupture times up to ~1.8 x 10⁸ s (50,000 hours). To characterize damage, the distributions of creep cavities along the length of the gage section were determined and microstructural features associated with the cavities were investigated using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.